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TiVo put together demo of its brand new TiVo Search to get everyone better acquainted with the new interface.  First off, the redesigned graphics are a great improvement over the original non-HD TiVo menus.  In fact, jumping out of the new TiVo Search back to the older system is jarring. 

Feedback welcome

Keep in mind that this new feature is in beta and TiVo is looking for feedback.  Strangely, you cannot rate the new TiVo Search on the actual TiVo device using the Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down feature.  When I mentioned that to the Director of Product Marketing for Core DVR, Bob Poniatowski, he appeared a bit intrigued and said, “That would be a good idea.”  So if you see that feature in an updated beta, you know where it came from.  Additionally, there is no timetable as to how long this product will be in beta, but don’t expect this to be one of those endless Google betas.

The Discovery Bar

The discovery bar runs on the top of the screen.  They are not ads or paid for in any way; they are just the popular programs and movies of the time.  You’ll even see big television events like the SuperBowl in the discovery bar so you don’t miss it.  As you go further into your search, the discovery bar updates to recommend related programming.

Much easier searching

Searching has changed for the better.  TiVo understands that no one likes using a standard remote control with an on-screen keyboard.  Now, when you type in the first letter of the program you want, the search results will populate with the most popular search terms.  So if you do a search for “O,” you’ll get “The Office,” “Oprah,” “Office Space,” etc. 

The search results are actually mixed media.  The “Oprah” entry actually gets you a bio about her and then helps you find her movies or shows.  It’s a bit like having a laptop open and searching IMDB for more information while you watch a show.  Also, you get TiVoCast programming in the search results.  YouTube content is separate, but a link is provided in the results. 

Not finished yet

Obviously, this new HD interface will eventually make its way throughout the TiVo interface.  Some of the graphics in TiVo Search Beta need some clean up, but most of the functionality is there.  If you have a TiVo, test it out and send them feedback.